Samsung’s Galaxy branded devices might run Android, but it’s no secret that the company has worked hard to differentiate its software experience from the competition by adding its own custom touches. Beyond just providing a unique ‘look and feel’ through TouchWiz, Samsung has went so far as to create its own ecosystem of apps that often rival services offered by Google and by popular 3rd party app developers.

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Although some of Samsung’s apps are well-appreciated by Galaxy fans, others feel that Samsung’s continued push towards bundled apps adds up to nothing more than a bloated smartphone experience — especially since many of these included apps can’t be deleted without root access.

it’s no secret that the company has worked hard to differentiate its software experience from the competition by adding its own custom touches

The big question is whether or not the average user actually utilizes the bundled apps that Samsung includes. With this in mind, research firm Strategy Analytics recently conducted a study that tracked more than 250 U.S.-based users of the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 to get a better feel for what apps Samsung owners use the most. Although 250 users isn’t a large number, it’s enough for the research firm to form a rough picture.

The results? Strategy Analytics noted that some of the most popular apps among these users included Facebook, Instragram, Youtube and Twitter. Facebook commanded roughly 664 minutes of monthly use, 151 minutes for Instagram, 146.7 minutes for Youtube and 47.4 minutes for Twitter. To likely no one’s surprise, Google Play and Google Search were also high up on the list.

As for Samsung’s apps? ChatOn only commanded six seconds of use per month on average, and apps like Hub, Link, S Memo and S Voice didn’t fare much better. Other apps like S Health weren’t even specifically mentioned, though were apparently included in the broader “Samsung apps” category found within the chart above.

If Strategy Anayltics study is correct, it makes it rather clear that, despite Samsung’s best attempts, Samsung’s ecosystem takes a backseat position to Google’s own apps and to popular 3rd party apps and services found on Google Play.

What’s your own take? Based on your own experience, do you find Samsung’s included apps to be welcome additions that further enhance your Android experience? Vote in the poll and tell us what you think in the comments below.